AZ – ‘Doe or Die III’ Latest: What We Know About the New Album

Legendary rapper AZ returns with a fresh album, Doe or Die III, the third instalment of a long-awaited trilogy

Last updated: 17 April 2026

AZ is back, announcing his new album, Doe or Die III, in time for the 30th anniversary of his debut. The project aims to cap off a trilogy many consider an important release in hip-hop. The third instalment was launched off the back of his new single “So High.” Here’s what we know so far and what we could expect.

Listen to some of rapper AZ’s most notable tracks.

What We Know

Doe or Die 3 is a direct sequel to the 1995 and 2021 instalments and is scheduled for release via Nas and Peter Bittenbender‘s Mass Appeal Records. The company has published a broader series titled Legend Has It…, which includes projects from rap virtuosos De La Soul, Mobb Deep, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah and Big L.

While features and a tracklist have not yet been revealed, we can expect a long-overdue reunion between Nas and AZ to be on the cards. Idris Elba could also make an appearance, given the two labels’ recent partnership to promote collaborations between UK and US hip-hop. In terms of production, we may well see another team-up with DJ Premier, and potentially Buckwild and Statik Selektah. Dare we say Pete Rock?

AZ ft Mumu Fresh – “So High” (Official Visualiser)

AZ is one of the most understated rappers in the genre, with an unfettered multi-syllabic approach to writing and storytelling. Having been active in hip-hop for more than 30 years, he has brushed shoulders with some of the best lyricists, including Mobb Deep, Kool G Rap, Redman, Styles P, and, of course, Nas. What’s in store is anyone’s guess, but given that Mass Appeal has picked up the album, it’s hard to ignore.

Expect to hear classic motifs from the boom-bap subgenre, with dusty drums, as well as polished early 2000s sounds as heard on the rapper’s latest single. The announcement was made via Mass Appeal following the release of its first single, “So High,” on April 10th, featuring singer Mumu Fresh; a track that narrates the rapper’s elation with life’s highs, produced by Bink.

Release Date

Doe or Die III is slated to be released on the 8 May 2026

Stanisland Magazine